— Firm Insights —
Seasonal Clerkship Program
A seasonal clerkship at Coulter Roache Lawyers offers you an opportunity to experience first-hand life as a lawyer. A clerkship will give you the chance to bridge the gap between theory and practice. A number of seasonal clerks have found this to be a successful pathway to a Graduate Traineeship and a career with our firm. What you get
During your clerkship you will have the opportunity to meet with our Chairman and Managing Principal who will share the firm’s vision and values and explain their expectations of lawyers who wish to work at Coulter Roache in the future. You get a chance to gain an in-depth understanding of how the firm operates and it gives you a chance to see if our firm is one you might enjoy working at in the future. You will gain hands-on practical legal experience which could involve drafting correspondence and court documents, reviewing legislation and case law and observing our lawyers conduct in client meetings, mediations and court. During this time we will also learn about your abilities, skills and career aspirations. A junior lawyer or graduate will be assigned to you as a buddy to provide support for the two week period. You will also be assigned to one department and take direction from a principal or senior lawyer. To help you learn as much as possible and grow from your experience at the end of your seasonal clerkship a principal will provide you with formal feedback. You will have the opportunity to be involved in all activities including social events, celebrations and community involvement. Graduate Program
The Coulter Roache graduate program gives you a first rate introduction to the law. It will ease the transition from university to working as a lawyer. You will earn valuable professional experience and ‘on the job’ learning opportunities. The program will not only enhance your technical skills, it will also develop your interpersonal and client facing skills. Graduates will do hands-on legal work from the start. Coulter Roache takes on two graduates each year; chosen from students who have previously completed a seasonal clerkship with the firm. The program runs for 6 months, in which time you will complete three practice group rotations.
meet with you regularly to discuss your progress and answer any questions you may have. Your buddy, who will be a junior lawyer will help you transition into your new role. Your mentor will provide professional guidance and support. The program is built on three practice group rotations which could include any of the following 6 areas of law: Corporate & Commercial, Wills, Estates and Succession Planning, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Family Law, Property & Development and Employment Law. Each rotation will start by the principal setting expectations for your rotation and at the end of each rotation you will receive feedback from your principal discussing your experiences and progress. Graduates will complete a part time Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law during the six month period. What we look for
Coulter Roache will consider candidates who have strong academic results, the intelligence to tackle interesting legal matters and those who have a willingness to work productively and professionally with all levels of colleagues and clients. You will need to be proactive, motivated, ambitious, energetic and keen to learn and develop. It would be advantageous if you have part-time work experience and are involved in the Geelong community. Employee benefits
Coulter Roache is constantly striving to improve our culture and the workplace satisfaction of our employees. We have invested into health and well-being initiatives, developing professional staff, improving benefits and incentives and expanding diversity. We have engaged in various initiatives including Healthy Together Victoria. Our culture is one of providing professional services, caring for individuals, allowing personal identity and respecting/accepting people’s circumstances. We have an open door policy which encourages open communication across all levels of staff. The management team is supportive to employees and involved with the daily running of client matters and general business. Employee health and wellbeing is promoted through providing fresh fruit daily, massages, group fitness training, health checks and the EAP (Employment Assistance Program) for staff and families.
What you get
A principal, buddy and mentor will be assigned to you for the six month program. Your principal will — 85 —